I heard about the Israeli tourist being a somewhat unpleasant guests around the same time that India was cementing its economic and military ties with Israel and I frowned at it and forgot about it. But, I am coming across more of these stories and if this was to continue then it would almost certainly put a dent in the Indo-Israeli relations and for the sake of both our countries I really hope that doesn't happen Because, ''vasudev kutumbakam' is how Indians in general will treat you but our hospitality will change quickly if the kind of behavior described here is exhibited. And it might turn into a big incident and snow ball into something else. Especially, when people like Jarred and a few other people here who are engaging in Ad hominem attack against the Hindus who are probably the biggest supporters of Israel for a variety of reasons.

A lot of posters here are stating that this is an Anti-Israeli article(of that nature). I want to know(because I really don't know) Isn't the author of this article Jewish himself/herself? Talking among yourself even at moderate loudness is not a problem for anyone in India. Its only when our culture is disrespected that the problem arise. If I see that happening around me by anyone either an Indian or any one else I tend to get mortally offended and so do a billion other Indians. As long as you can smile at us, say "hello" and be courteous to us as you would to any other person there would be 0 difficulties in your travel. Also, Indians and Hindus in particular (who were derided in wonderful ways by Mr. Jarred here) want to be bff with Israel but things would really go sour very quickly if Israeli tourists start making headlines in India. A tourist should just be a tourist, let the headlines be made by our continuously improving relations. I would even say this, that people of Israel will receive privileged treatment in Israel just because they are our close friends and most politically aware Indians (like me) will go well out of our way to help them in travel and stay in every way we can. -- Shalom and Shubh Yatra in India

My impression of Israelis WAS very similar to others on this forum, in that I thought they were rude, loud, obnoxious, etc...however, after travelling through India for 10 months I met so many wonderful Israelis who also hated the 'typical' Israeli (not my typical by the way!). I met Israelis who would deliberately avoid Israeli enclaves, like Hampi, Manali, Goa, etc...because they didn't want to be associated with them. So in summary: yes Israelis can be idiots when they are in large groups, but if you meet small groups, couples or solo travellers then they are usually really nice, but unfortunately the large groups usually prevail. Also check out Israeli Backpackers Contribution in Google, this might change your mind about them!

Talking of muslims in india they enjoy greater freedom and openness that their brethen in islamic countries that surround your little corner of the middle east. The butchering you refer to happened in a riot in response to the senseless burning of innocent hindu pilgrims in a train. Your words only strengthen the point of this article.

Guys like #13 Jack,USA & #14Jerred. We are still developing country man. u may call our country dirty(NO Surprise..surprise..as u said), but still our country has soul man. Every one's welcome to this country man.. stop hating. Steriotypes like u r giving our generation a bad impression on ur country.WE INDIANS ARE FUTURE MAN!! *****peace*****.

I just feel this that Isrealis have forgotten the the Torah and Talmud and we Indians as we basically are tolerant guest loving people but if you push things to the limit things will very adverse for the "IBack packers"...just a little behavior and consent for the culture is what's needed

Peons? Who are you then? CEO of the universe? It's people like you who make Israel earn their enemies. Just be grateful that God is indeed Merciful else you would have long been "buggered off". What a rotten sport!

You are correct, not every Israeli behaves that way. However, I have travelled the world and have yet to see any other group of backpackers who are so unappreciated in hostels and hotels that signs have been placed at the front desk to ask them not to check it. No smoke without fire eh? As for your Muslim based rant: F*ck off, we are talking about the behaviour of your backpackers, it isnt religious, it isnt political. Its about manners and many, many Israeli backpackers have none. I see a lot of excuses here about 'relaxing' after military service. Most Euro nations have compulsary military service for their youth but I have yet to see a 'No Finnish' or 'No Dutch' sign on a hostel door.

Consider it a fact that both Hindus and Jews face the same issues day by day. Hindus support Israel with all heart. I feel if Israel opens a army recruitment center in India, many Hindus will join the cause. Why wait, Israel?

People like Abhinav can only spew venom and try to divide the world based on religion. Hindus has embraced and welcomed all religions to co habitate in India. Remeber India is the only country that welcomede f oppressed communities like Jews, Zorastrians. Hindusim, Buddhism,Jainism,Sikhism was all born in this holy land. The first christian apostles came to India before they reached europee first. The first muslim arab traders came to india and had peaceful relations through trade before the violent invasions. So Abhinav to misguide people

i humbly said jews feel they are only isralies but somany isralies around the world in arabs indians iran andiraq afghanistan also millions of isralies jews are out of 12 11sects of isralies lived in various countrys thereal israliese are coming to iraq iran and india2,500 b.c.so there are many isralies inworld,so god jehova saved them who are feel isralies please contactme not jews.happynewyear april1st Abib month started jehovaday so allisralies united

I'm Australian and young Australians travelling in packs aren't the best either (drunk, loud, etc) but Israelis take first prize outright for rudeness and ignorance. I'm currently travelling in South America and EVERY tour operator reluctantly does business with them. They always want unreasonable discounting - even after prices have been agreed and are completely oblivious to anyone else's except their own concern. I personally avoid Israelis like the plague and so do most travellers from all countries I come across. Stay at home please.